Blended or stepfamilies, come in all shapes and sizes. Today, the term \u201cblended family\u201d is more commonly used as opposed to \u201cstepfamily\u201d. Although their original meanings differ slightly, today both terms are used interchangeably. This is mostly due to some of the negative connotations associated with fairytale characters such as the evil stepmother or stepsister.<\/p>\n
The blended family is the fastest growing family dynamic in the world with one in five families now being a \u2018step\u2019 or \u2018blended\u2019 family. However, when families \u201cblend,\u201d it rarely progresses smoothly. Some children resist change, and parents become frustrated when the new family doesn\u2019t function in the same way as the previous one.<\/p>\n
For many step-parent\u2019s, the greatest challenge lies in determining what their role is within the family. The process can be both rewarding and challenging. Children affected by the union of a new couple may not be excited at the prospect of becoming part of a new family.<\/p>\n
Although blending families requires adjustment and patience from everyone involved, in this edition of SchoolTV, parents will be given some guidelines of real expectations that can help their new family work through the growing pains. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month\u2019s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.<\/p>\n
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.<\/p>\n